The author of this book Ishmael Beach was born in Sierra Leone in 1980. After arriving to the United States in the year 1998, Beach wrote a book about explaining his life journey in a dangerous land. In 2004, Beach graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in political science. He is a leading figure with wanting to improve the lives of children in his homeland and all over the world. Today, beach currently live in New York City.
In this opening section, Ishmael explains his complicated family life and the importance of his friends and younger brother junior. Living in Sierra Leone is very dangerous and a risky place to live. With rebels attacking every nearby city, everyones life is on the line. Knowing that his life is soon to be threatened, Ishmael, Junior, and friends know they have to be on there way in search of a new home.
The purpose of this book is to answer the hundreds of questions and request Ishmael received when arriving to New York. Finally being able to talk about his past, Ishmael wrote about his journey. The exigence of this book is to show that living in a dangerous place as a child is one of the most difficult things to endure. Ismael only being ten at the time had to experience starvation, separation,and death.
The author focuses on the appeal pathos. Through his writing the reader is able to experience the same emotion as Ishmael. While reading the beginning pages of the book, I was deeply saddened and developed empathy for Ishmael.
This book is written for mature readers due to the graphic mental images and the detailed wording. I feel that it would frightened younger readers and they would have trouble grasping the painful life of Ishmael.
I would say that the author did accomplish his purpose. Although I am only a quarter way through the book, I am already hooked and cannot wait to continue reading.
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